What are the 6 basic steps for extinguishing fires?

Author: Mr. Eliezer Windler  |  Last update: Thursday, February 26, 2026

How to use a fire extinguisher
  • Identify a clear exit/escape route. ...
  • Stand back. ...
  • Discharge extinguisher. ...
  • P: Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher.
  • A: Aim the extinguisher nozzle on the hose low, toward the base of the fire.
  • S: Squeeze the handle or lever to discharge the extinguisher.
  • S: Sweep the nozzle back and forth.

What are the 6 stages of fire?

The development of fire in a compartment has the following 6 stages:
  • 1 - Incipient: This is the stage before the ignition. ...
  • 2 - Ignition: ...
  • 3 - Combustion (Flame spread): ...
  • 4 - Compartment Fire Development (Fire Growth Stage): ...
  • 5 - Building Fire Spread. ...
  • 6 - Decay:

What are the steps for fire extinguisher?

technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep). Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again. Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.

What are the six fire extinguishers?

There are six main types of fire extinguisher:
  • Water.
  • Water mist.
  • Foam.
  • CO2.
  • Powder.
  • Wet chemical.

What is the sequence to extinguish fire?

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher. It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Pull the pin. This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

What is the correct procedure to put out a fire?

The acronym PASS is used to describe these four basic steps.
  1. Pull (Pin) Pull pin at the top of the extinguisher, breaking the seal. ...
  2. Aim. Approach the fire standing at a safe distance. ...
  3. Squeeze. Squeeze the handles together to discharge the extinguishing agent inside. ...
  4. Sweep.

What is the correct order for fire?

R.A.C.E.: Remove, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish or Evacuate

R.A.C.E. stands for 'Remove, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish or Evacuate. This easy to remember acronym is our University procedure in the case of a fire.

What are the six classes of fires?

What are the different classes of fire?
  • Class A – Combustible materials.
  • Class B – Flammable liquids.
  • Class C – Flammable gases.
  • Class D – Burning metals.
  • Electrical fires.
  • Class F – Cooking oils and fats.

What does ABC stand for in fire extinguishers?

Fire Extinguisher Classes

The letter on a fire extinguisher indicates its classification: Class A puts out ordinary combustible fires (wood, paper, plastic, etc.) Class B puts out flammable liquid fires (oil, gas, petroleum, etc.) Class C puts out electrical fires.

Is it illegal to use a fire extinguisher when there is no fire?

Did you think there was a fire and there wasn't? In both of these cases there would be no legal repercussions, unless you damaged something, which is possible using a dry chemical extinguisher around electrical equipment. If it was malicious however there could be charges.

What is the golden rule of fire extinguishers?

The golden rule is that only one extinguisher is used. If that fails to extinguish the fire, STOP and leave.

What are the methods of fire extinguishing?

Fires of any kind are put out using one of three methods: cooling, starvation, or smothering. The fire triangle is a basic model for understanding the source and progression of any fire. The three methods of fire extinguishment works by removing one component of the fire triangle.

What are the four P's of fire safety?

Introducing the 4 P's to Fire & Evacuation

These are the procedures / requirements which are in place. These alone will not make you safe, they are a means to an end and also guide the other P's – prevention, preparation and practice.

What does 2A 10 bc mean on a fire extinguisher?

Make sure to aim at the base of the flame! A fire extinguisher that is rated 2A:10 BC means it has a fire fighting capacity equivalent to: 2.5 Gallons of Water and 10 Square Feet for a BC Type Fire.

What is the first thing you should do in the event of a fire?

Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number. Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away.

What is type D fire?

Class D fires are characterized by their involvement with combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, aluminum, and titanium, and they are known for their resilience and ability to burn at exceptionally high temperatures.

What is the correct sequence for operating a fire extinguisher?

It is easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for PULL, AIM, SQUEEZE, and SWEEP. Pull the pin. This will allow you to discharge the fire extinguisher.

Why should you never grip the black horn on the CO2 extinguisher when using it?

Do not hold the horn, unless it is a frost-free horn, as it becomes extremely cold during use and can lead to severe frost burns.

What is the number one cause of fire-related deaths?

Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. Smoke detectors and smolder-resistant bedding and upholstered furniture are significant fire deterrents. Heating is the 2nd leading cause of residential fires and ties with arson as the 2nd leading cause of fire deaths.

What is the number one rule in a fire?

Fire safety rule No. 1: Observe and think.

Who do you evacuate first in a fire?

In almost all cases, the top priority for evacuation is moving those who are in immediate danger. In case of fire, chemical spill, or other localized danger, identifying those at highest risk is easy because it is based on proximity.

Which of the following should you not do during a fire emergency?

Opening hot doors

This means that the door is actually holding the fire back and opening it would only allow the fire to spread. If you find a door that you believe to be safe, open it, but always do so cautiously, with the awareness that it could be dangerous on the other side.

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